By Allison Perrine | aperrine@tworivertimes.com
On March 9, Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency to address the continual spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. On March 13, President Donald J. Trump declared a national emergency. Now, local leaders in the Two River area are following suit.
Elected officials in Middletown, Red Bank, Little Silver, Fair Haven, Shrewsbury and Oceanport have declared state of local disaster emergencies. Other municipalities have taken precautions and canceled municipal meetings, closed libraries, and limited or canceled events and programs.
In Middletown Monday night, Mayor Tony Perry made the declaration, which authorizes the issuance and enforcement of any orders that may be necessary for emergency management operations and to protect public health, resources and safety in Middletown.
“The health and safety of this community is our top priority,” said Perry in a press release. “It is crucial that we find ways to encourage fellow citizens to practice social distancing to help contain the spread of this disease. We are implementing these measures because it is imperative that our residents understand the gravity of the situation.”
As described in Middletown’s Emergency Declaration No. 2020- 01, all bars and restaurants with or without liquor licenses in the township are prohibited from serving patrons on their premises until further notice. They can, however, offer takeout or delivery services only. Bars that do not serve food are now closed. This applies to private clubs and fraternal organizations that serve food and alcohol as well, which differs from state mandates.
All public theaters, gyms, indoor sports facilities and health clubs are now closed as well. Any “non-essential” businesses may be open from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. only. There may be no more than 50 people in those businesses at a time as they must practice social distancing as recommended by the CDC. All public or private gatherings of more than 50 people at any one location are prohibited.
However, supermarkets, stores that sell food and personal products, pharmacies, medical facilities and gas stations – including ancillary food markets – are considered “essential” businesses that do not have to adhere to the time or occupancy restrictions, according to the declaration. But they are advised to practice social distancing. All supermarkets and related stores with over three checkout lines must also have at least one checkout line solely for shoppers over the age of 65, which also differs from state orders.
A mandatory curfew is now in effect from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. for anyone under the age of 18 not accompanied by an adult at least 21 years old, unless it is an emergency or travel is required for employment. All township buildings and facilities are now closed to the public except in emergency circumstances. And all “non-essential” township meetings are canceled until further notice.
As of March 18, township and school playgrounds will be closed to the public. Officials are strongly encouraging that if residents are convening at parks and school grounds, that it be in groups of 10 people or less.
Any violators will be subject to a $1,000 fine, six months in jail or both, according to the declaration. “Please be vigilant about helping flatten the coronavirus curve by continually washing your hands with soap and water, covering coughs and sneezes, using hand sanitizer, staying home when sick and following guidelines provided by the CDC and New Jersey Department of Health,” said Perry. Red Bank’s declaration took effect March 15. It mandates that all nonessential businesses of more than 25 people must close, including restaurants, liquor establishments, private gyms, theaters and more. Any bars or restaurants with and without a liquor license can no longer serve customers in its establishment. Takeout and delivery options are permitted, however. And all establishments with a liquor license can no longer sell, dispense or distribute alcoholic beverages until further notice, according to the proclamation.
“We apologize for any inconvenience but the safety of our business community and the public is our main concern,” Red Bank representatives wrote in the declaration. “We appreciate your advance cooperation and understanding during this difficult time. The Borough encourages businesses to be proactive and follow the guidelines of the U.S. CDC.”
Little Silver was the first Two River area town to have a confirmed case of COVID-19. It now has three known residents with the virus. In a social media post March 14, the borough announced, “Little Silver has always excelled during trying times with a commitment to each other, and comes out stronger on the other side. We expect nothing different this time around.”
On March 17, Oceanport Mayor Jay Coffey spoke not in his political role, but as an Oceanport resident. After speaking with professionals from different backgrounds regarding COVID-19, he highlighted the importance of social distancing.
“From everything I have read, conversed about and watched over the past week, this next week is going to be a very telling one. The accepted mathematical modeling of how pathogens spread says so. Without a doubt, our government, on every level, is going to ramp up its efforts to limit the ability of this virus to spread,” he said March 17. “The daily declarations of states of emergency will increase. The curtailment of our personal freedoms, our ability to interact with others, and our ability to engage in our normal day-to-day activities will become more pronounced. Governmentally mandated closures of schools and government buildings, restrictions on travel and private businesses, limitations on social gatherings, and cancellation of recreational activities will increase over the next few days and weeks.
“This is the way it will be, and it is probably the way it has to be. But it will be temporary.”
Shrewsbury Borough declared a state of local disaster emergency March 17 and announced that it reiterates, and does not expand, Murphy’s state protective orders. In the meantime, the borough asks that its residents take care of themselves and look after any neighbors who may need assistance. “Be well. Stay healthy,” officials wrote in a statement issued by Mayor Erik Anderson, the council and OEM coordinator.
